Chad opposition leader disappears amid fears of government crackdown

The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF), Gam Robert, has gone missing under suspicious circumstances.

His disappearance on September 20 follows a series of political tensions within the country, leaving many to suspect the involvement of state security forces.

The alarm was raised by Fatimé Adoum Youssouf, the PSF’s Deputy Secretary-General, during a press conference held late on September 21.

She indicated that Gam Robert vanished shortly after attending a meeting with the leadership of the political party Les Patriotes.

According to Youssouf, suspicious vehicles with tinted windows were seen loitering near the PSF’s headquarters in Chagoua around the time of his disappearance.

“It is clear that Gam Robert was abducted by intelligence services.

He had never been summoned or called in by any authority,” Youssouf stated, placing the blame squarely on the country’s security apparatus.

The PSF is no stranger to tragedy. Its previous leader, Yaya Dillo, was killed in a raid by Chadian security forces in February 2024, a loss that has weighed heavily on the party.

Since then, Robert had taken over leadership and become a vocal advocate for justice concerning Dillo’s death.

On September 14, Robert held a press conference demanding an investigation into Dillo’s killing, calling for transparency and the release of imprisoned PSF members.

Many within the PSF believe that Robert’s calls for justice have made him a target for government intimidation.

“These actions only strengthen our resolve to fight for justice and peace,” Youssouf said, adding that the PSF would not be silenced.

The PSF has urged Chad’s President to step in and rein in the intelligence services, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of their Secretary-General.

As the nation awaits answers, tensions continue to rise amid fears of further crackdowns on political opposition in Chad.